jump scare
noun
variants
or less commonly jump-scare
or jumpscare
plural jump scares also jump-scares or jumpscares
: a scripted moment (as in a film or video game) intended to startle the audience
The biggest jolts in "The Omen" … come from conventionally staged jump scares, where a nasty image suddenly flashes on the screen accompanied by a startling sound effect.—
Li Wang
Li Wang… differentiates itself from other VR [=virtual reality] horror games by not resorting to cheap jump-scares, instead flexing its brilliant visuals to build an atmospheric sense of foreboding.—Chris Button
Chris ButtonExamples of jump scare in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His work focuses on interpersonal struggles, not J-horror jump scares.
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
But despite its title, Hysteria never resorts to jump scares and is definitely not a slasher flick.
—Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
We are then hit with two jump scares from Jesse’s past.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump scare
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Blake Simons, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
But despite its title, Hysteria never resorts to jump scares and is definitely not a slasher flick.
—Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
We are then hit with two jump scares from Jesse’s past.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump scare
Cite this Entry
“Jump scare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20scare. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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